Blago Has His Own Hiring Scandal

By Amy Hart in News on Oct 25, 2005 8:06PM

Chicagoist knew it was getting bad when we asked our friends, “Hey, did you hear the latest about the hiring scandal?” And they said, “Which one?”

Of course, you might say it got bad when you realized this is the kind of stuff we talk to our friends about.

Not to be outdone by the corruption in Chicago’s hiring practices, Governor Blagojevich’s office is now dealing with its own hiring scandal.

Today the Chicago Tribune reported that federal prosecutors have subpoenaed Blago for documents associated with the hiring practices of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The subpoena is part of a three month old grand jury investigation convened to look into Blago’s hiring practices, although Blagojevich himself has not been directly accused of any wrongdoing.

Blago’s father-in-law, and Chicago Alderman, Dick Mell accused the governor’s office of trading state posts for political contributions earlier this year. Although Mell and Blago eventually buried the hatchet (kind of, sort of, in a way), Mell’s allegations did spark the current investigation.

The governor’s office has hired a former assistant US attorney to handle the requests of investigators, which is good because apparently Mayor Daley’s office has scooped up most of the capable lawyers.

Will Republicans be able to capitalize over concerns of Blago’s corruption and his dwindling approval ratings? After rumors that State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka, believed by many to be the GOP’s best hope, would not run against Blago due to funding shortfalls, several backers came forward to support her possible candidacy.